The purpose of this study was to evaluate the energy expenditure of sport stacking.

ABSTRACT

Sport stacking is a popular activity taught in many physical education programs. The activity, although very popular, has been studied minimally, and the energy expenditure for sport stacking is unknown.

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the energy expenditure of sport stacking.

METHODS:

Thirty-seven subjects (25 youths, mean age = 11 + 1.6 years, 17 boys, 8 girls; 12 adults, mean age 25.3 + 3.8 years, 5 men, 7 women) participated in this study. Subjects reported to the laboratory, were informed of the procedures, signed consent forms, and were fitted with head gear and a mouthpiece to collect expired gases via a metabolic cart. Subjects stood stationary for 5 min for baseline readings to be measured. Subjects then sport stacked for 5 min, performing as many 3-6-3 stacks as possible. Subjects had to be able to complete a 3-6-3 stack in less than 8 seconds to be included in the study. The number of stacks completed was recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the mean and variability of the energy expenditure while standing and stacking for each subgroup. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the mean energy expenditures between standing and stacking and among sex and age group categories.

CONCLUSIONS:

Sport stacking has an energy expenditure of 2.9 METs, and it is similar to other activities involved in typical physical education courses (e.g., weight lifting light to moderate, archery, bowling, volleyball, walking 2.5 mph).

Methods

PROCEDURES: Subjects reported to the laboratory, were informed of the procedures, signed consent forms, and were fitted with head gear and a mouthpiece to collect expired gases via a metabolic cart. Subjects stood stationary for 5 min for baseline readings to be measured. Subjects then sport stacked for 5 min, performing as many 3-6-3 stacks as possible. Subjects had to be able to complete a 3-6-3 stack in less than 8 seconds to be included in the study. The number of stacks completed was recorded. The study design and its protocol were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

ANALYSES: Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the mean and variability of the energy expenditure while standing and stacking for each subgroup. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the mean energy expenditures between standing and stacking and among sex and age group categories.